Extant species

Some taxonomists classify the Persian fallow deer as a subspecies (D. d. mesopotamica),^[1] while others, such as the IUCN, treat it as a separate species (D. mesopotamica).^[4] Based on genetic evidence, Dama is considered to be closest living relative of the extinct genus Megaloceros.^[5] The circumscription of the genus is uncertain, with some authors choosing to include taxa that are otherwise placed in the genus Pseudodama, which may be ancestral to Dama.^[6]

The earliest species of Dama appeared around the Pliocene-Pleistocene boundary approximately 2.6 million years ago,^[7] or around the beginning of the Middle Pleistocene approximately 0.8 million years ago,^[8] depending on the species included in the genus. The relationships of most Dama species to each other and to other fossil deer are controversial, with no overall consensus on their relationships, aside the close relationship of D. clactoniana with the living Dama species. The earliest Dama species lack palmate (broad and flattened) antlers, with this trait only developing in D. pelleponesica, D. clactoniana, and the two living species.^[6]

Extinct species, based on van der Made et al. 2023:^[6]

• Dama nestii known from the Early Pleistocene of Europe, also assigned to the genus Pseudodama.^[7]
• Dama vallonnetensis known from the Early Pleistocene of Europe,^[6] also assigned to Pseudodama.^[9]
• Dama farnetensis known from the Early Pleistocene of Europe,^[6] also assigned to Pseudodama.^[10]
• Dama pelleponesica known from the early Middle Pleistocene of Greece, with similar remains referred to as Dama aff. pelleponesica known from the late Middle Pleistocene of Azokh Cave in Azerbaijan. Species not universally recognised as valid.^[6]
• Dama roberti known from the early Middle Pleistocene of Europe.^[10]
• Dama celiae known from the Middle Pleistocene of Spain^[6]
• Dama clactoniana, known from the late Middle Pleistocene of Europe, thought to be the ancestor of the two living species.^[6]

Relationships of Dama to other deer species based on mitochondrial DNA.^[11]